8 Ways Seniors can Supplement their Social Security Checks

Unlike disability insurance with Social Security you can earn money on the side and still keep drawing your regular check. But what kinds of job are there out there for seniors on a fixed income?

Here are 8 jobs that any Senior can do that will add a little extra to that social security income.

1. Hubpages:

Yes, in spite of all the naysayers out there you can earn money on Hubpages! I make over $500.00 a month on Hubpages and it has continued to go up as I write. The great thing about Hubpages for seniors is that they can earn income without ever leaving there home. The key (in my humble opinion) to earning a decent amount of money here is to write non-fiction and to find your niche. If you write fiction or even non-fiction narratives you will not earn very much money. So use your knowledge and starting showing people how to do the things you do and you will earn money here.

2. Care-giving:

You may be a senior yourself but that doesn't mean you can't take care of someone 20 years older than yourself! Baby boomers are aging and they need assistance. There are a lot of people out there who just need to be checked up on or have a meal made. Many of these jobs are part-time as well so if you like the idea of helping out a fellow senior why not try care-giving? It's very rewarding as well

3. Babysitting:

While were on the subject of care-giving, you don't have to rule out child-care. There are many elderly babysitters and child-care providers out there. If you find that you don't have the energy to run after children all day, babysit at night when the children are sleeping or take care of only one child. Babysitting pays really well these days and parents are always happy to find someone that they trust and who has experience with children.

4. Dog Sitting:

Maybe humans are not your cup of tea. So why not advertise as a dog sitter? If you like animals, just like children and the elderly people are always looking for reliable sitters for their feline and canine companions.

5. Consulting:

Consulting is nothing more than showing someone how to do something. You've lived a long time, you probably have skills that you don't even realize could earn money. Do you knit? Teach someone or even a few someones to knit. Can you cook? Teach someone to cook. Can you spin wool? Teach spinning classes. Can you repair a car? Hire yourself out and/or teach someone how to fix a car. Do you know how much cooking schools cost? Any kind of education is expensive these days. If you can teach someone a skill you can undercut the high cost of classes and earn some money on the side. You'd be surprised at how much money you can make doing this.

6: Do what you did before only on a smaller scale:

Were you an Accountant before you retired? Why not hire yourself out on a part-time basis to earn some extra cash. Were you a lawyer? Do you know how much lawyers charge? You could advice people on legal matters. Whatever you did before, do it now, only privately and on a part-time basis and you will make good money.

7: Sell things at Home Parties:

Do you have a lot of friends who like to shop? Do you live in a community? If so, there are myriads of small businesses out there that you can do on a part-time basis. It used to be that Tupperware and Mary Kay were the only business models out there like this but now there are all kinds, things like jewelry parties and cooking gadget parties are just a couple out there, pick your passion and see what's out there. If you are good at selling this may be a good way to earn some extra income.

8. Make Your Garden Grow:

Do you enjoy gardening? Why not turn that crop into cash. Organic food is in demand and home-grown food is even more in demand. Grow a crop and sell it at a farmers market or to your friends. Once you start you will have more customers than you know what to do with.

Whether you are trying to just make ends meet or if you would like to have a few luxuries I hope that one of these ideas will work for you as you search for a way to supplement that shrinking social security check. Seniors have a lot to offer the world and should not sell themselves short. Good luck and God Bless.

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Comments

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Author

Brie Hoffman 3 years agofrom Manhattan

Thanks Mel, bdequiulio and MDavisatTIERS, I hope that these ideas help and thanks for the new one.

Marilyn L Davis 3 years agofrom Georgia

Good evening, Brie; nicely presented and informative. As a senior who had to reinvent at 63, I was fortunate that I could suppliment my retirement with writing and recovery coaching. You've covered some other interesting alternatives. I'll add one more that a friend of mine does. She shops for individuals in personal care and assisted living homes. Her clients save when she buys in bulk, then repackages it according to their grocery list. Does quite nicely as well. One of her "advanced" seniors told her, she should extend the concept to personal care items as well, so she bought clear plastic bottles, buys shampoos and conditioners in bulk and everyone saves. My contribution was a funnel to help her out....~Marilyn

Bill De Giulio 3 years agofrom Massachusetts

Hi Brie. That is exactly what I am trying to do with HubPages. I make no where near the number you make here but it slowly grows and perhaps by time I retire it will be significant. You hav some great ideas here, thanks for sharing.

Mel Carriere 3 years agofrom San Diego California

Good advice. I'm not quite there yet but perhaps I can turn this writing into something that really pays in the next ten years or so. Great hub!

Author

Brie Hoffman 3 years agofrom Manhattan

You are not alone, I know so many people who are on the edge of disaster. It's truly a sad state of affairs.

Magietha du Plessis 3 years agofrom South Africa

Having to get more money that your old age pension, as it is called here, is becoming vital. I am going the way of caring for children of school going age. Playing taxi and anything else needed. I'm a little scared but I have already taken a job for next year, so hold thumbs please.

Author

Brie Hoffman 3 years agofrom Manhattan

Thanks "agvulpes" and thanks for the follow ;)

Peter 3 years agofrom Australia

@Brie you have got some great ideas up there ( not bad for a 53 year old senior lol ) Your still in the Prime of your life :)

There are a 'few' larger companies over here in Australia employing 'really' old people , some in their seventies on a part time basis and are reaping the benefits of their experience :)

Nice Hub and shared out :)

Author

Brie Hoffman 3 years agofrom Manhattan

53! I know, I can hardly believe it myself.

foreignpress 3 years ago

WHAT! You're a senior! No way!

Author

Brie Hoffman 3 years agofrom Manhattan

Me too! Thanks for commenting "teaches12345".

Dianna Mendez 3 years ago

Your suggestions are ones that will help make life easier for seniors. I am heading that way now. I plan on increasing my writing to cover the need for activitiy (and hope to make some money on the side).

Author

Brie Hoffman 3 years agofrom Manhattan

Thanks "breakfastpop"

You don't and should not give it up but you just wont make much money online with fiction. Who knows you could make it big and actually end up in print! Thanks for commenting "dahoglund".

Don A. Hoglund 3 years agofrom Wisconsin Rapids

Useful ideas but I don't know if I want to give up fiction writing.

breakfastpop 3 years ago

You always give great advice and info. Voted up, useful and awesome!

Author

Brie Hoffman 3 years agofrom Manhattan

Thanks "PurvisBob I'm a little ADD when it comes to long articles on the net. I don't like them..having said that you do want to get your message through so I don't usually go under 700 words. In any case I'm glad you liked it.

PurvisBobbi44 3 years agofrom Florida

Hi, Brie Hoffman,

Nice to meet you and read one of your informative hubs. Just the right amount of words to keep my attention and I learned as well.

How a great September,

Bobbi Purvis

Author

Brie Hoffman 3 years agofrom Manhattan

I love writing..to me it's not even work. Thanks for commenting Billy.

I'm glad to be an inspiration "FlourishAnyway". I think we all need to be inspired. It's vital for a writer. I just moved back to Manhattan and the city inspires me.

FlourishAnyway 3 years agofrom USA

I'm not on Social Security, but I'm going to have to step up my game judging from number 1. Brie! You've given me some inspiration to get moving.

Bill Holland 3 years agofrom Olympia, WA

I guess I'm a senior and I guess this applies to me. :) All true...there are so many ways to make money after retirement. Of course, writing full-time can hardly be called retirement. :)

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